José Ramírez Becomes Cleveland Guardians' All-Time Games Played Leader

The star third baseman surpasses a century-old franchise record, cementing his legacy as a Guardians icon.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 5:14am

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A cubist-style painting depicting the Cleveland Guardians baseball player José Ramírez in various batting poses, with his figure broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in the team's navy blue, red, and white colors, conveying the idea of a long, storied career with a single franchise.José Ramírez's record-setting career with the Cleveland Guardians is a testament to the enduring power of loyalty and consistency in professional sports.Cleveland Today

José Ramírez, the star third baseman for the Cleveland Guardians, has just set a new franchise record by playing in his 1,620th game for the team. Ramírez, who signed with the Guardians as an international free agent in 2009 and made his MLB debut in 2013, has spent his entire 13-year career with the organization, becoming a pillar of the team and the Cleveland community.

Why it matters

Ramírez's achievement is more than just a statistical milestone - it represents the rare combination of elite performance and unwavering loyalty that has made him a beloved figure in Cleveland. In an era of free agency and player movement, Ramírez's decision to stay with the Guardians for over a decade has allowed him to become a living bridge between the team's storied past and its competitive present.

The details

Ramírez surpassed the previous Guardians games played record of 1,619, set by Terry Turner in 1918. Throughout his career, Ramírez has been a consistent offensive force, making four All-Star teams, winning three Silver Slugger awards, and finishing in the top 5 of MVP voting five times. His durability and productivity have made him an indispensable part of the Guardians' lineup, as the team has reached the playoffs in 7 of the last 10 seasons.

  • Ramírez set the new Guardians games played record on April 10, 2026 during a series against the Kansas City Royals.
  • Ramírez signed a 7-year contract extension with the Guardians in 2025, keeping him with the team through the 2032 season.

The players

José Ramírez

A star third baseman who has spent his entire 13-year MLB career with the Cleveland Guardians, becoming the franchise's all-time leader in games played.

Terry Turner

A former Guardians player who held the franchise record for games played with 1,619, a mark that stood for over a century until Ramírez surpassed it.

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What they’re saying

“José Ramírez is the heart and soul of this team. His dedication to the Guardians and the city of Cleveland is unmatched, and this record is a testament to that.”

— Terry Francona, Manager, Cleveland Guardians

“Seeing a player like José spend his entire career in one city, building a legacy, is so rare and special these days. He's a true Guardians legend.”

— Sandy Alomar Jr., Guardians Legend and Hall of Famer

What’s next

The Guardians will honor Ramírez's record-breaking achievement with a special pregame ceremony on April 15th, where he will be presented with a commemorative plaque and the team will retire his uniform number.

The takeaway

José Ramírez's record-setting tenure with the Cleveland Guardians serves as a powerful reminder that in an era of free agency and player movement, true franchise icons can still be built through loyalty, consistency, and a deep connection to the community. His example could inspire other teams to prioritize long-term player development and retention as a path to sustained success.